Rep. James P. Moran, a Democrat in the 8th District, easily defeated his challenger, Republican Lisa Marie Cheney, in what was one of his most formidable challenges in his 14-year congressional career.

With 83 percent of precincts reporting, Mr. Moran, 59, captured 59.5 percent of the vote over Mrs. Cheney, who won 37 percent in the strongly Democratic district, which includes Arlington County, the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church and parts of Fairfax County.

Independent candidate James T. Hurysz, 57, received 3.2 percent of the vote.

“We have much to celebrate tonight,” a jubilant Mr. Moran told a few hundred grass-roots supporters at the Alexandria Hilton last night. “We really are going to forge a new future for our families and Virginia. … This election needs to be about more than the votes we cast today. This election, it’s really about who we are as Americans. It’s about our values and our vision.”

In other parts of the state, Republicans kept their 8-to-3 edge over Democrats in Virginia’s congressional delegation.

Incumbent Rep. Frank R. Wolf, a Republican, held off a challenge from Democrat James Socas, 38, for the 10th District seat after a tough and bitter race marked by negative advertising and heavy spending on both sides.

Mr. Wolf has served 12 terms in the heavily Republican district, which includes Clarke, Loudoun, Frederick and Warren counties, the cities of Manassas, Manassas Park and Winchester, and parts of Fairfax, Fauquier and Prince William counties.

Mr. Davis, 55, has served five terms representing the district, which includes parts of Fairfax and Prince William counties, and Fairfax City. He is chairman of the Committee on Government Reform.

The near 80-degree temperatures brought voters to polls in short-sleeve shirts. Elections officials reported heavy voter turnout throughout the state.

The presidential race was the primary attraction, but residents from Alexandria to Roanoke cast ballots in congressional contests. In addition, voters in Richmond elected former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder as the city’s first popularly elected mayor since the 1940s.

State Delegate Thelma Drake, Norfolk Republican, easily defeated Democrat David B. Ashe, 36, in the race for the 2nd District congressional seat. With 99 percent of the precincts reporting, Mrs. Drake captured 55 percent of the vote, while Mr. Ashe won 45 percent.

Mrs. Drake, 54, has served as a delegate in the state House since 1996. The 2nd District seat became vacant this past summer when Rep. Edward L. Schrock, a Republican, decided to retire. With Mrs. Drake’s win, there is now an open seat in the state House.

Incumbent Rep. Jo Ann S. Davis, a Republican, won the 1st District seat last night. With 99 percent of the precincts reporting, Mrs. Davis won 80 percent of the vote over independent William A. Lee, who received 20 percent.

Mrs. Davis, 54, has served two terms representing the district, which includes Stafford and Spotsylvania counties.

Incumbent Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, a Democrat, defeated Republican Winsome E. Sears in the 3rd District race. With 99 percent of the precincts reporting, Mr. Scott, the only black member of the Virginia Congressional Delegation, captured 70 percent of the vote over Mrs. Sears who got 30 percent. Write-in candidates made up less than one percent of the vote. The 3rd District includes Richmond.

Incumbent Rep. J. Randy Forbes, a Republican, won 65.3 percent of the vote over Democrat Jonathan R. Menefee, who received 34.6 percent of the vote, with 98 percent of the precincts reporting in the 4th Congressional District.

Rep. Eric I. Cantor, a Republican, kept his 7th District seat. Mr. Cantor won 74.2 percent of the vote over independent W. Brad Blanton, who received 25.6 percent, with 84 percent of precincts reporting. Write-in candidates made up less than 1 percent of the vote.

Rep. Rick C. Boucher, a Democrat, was easily re-elected in the 9th District. With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Mr. Boucher won 59 percent of the vote over Republican Kevin R. Triplett, who received 39 percent of the vote. Independent candidate Seth A. Davis got 1.8 percent of the vote.

Rep. R.W. “Bob” Goodlatte, a Republican who ran unopposed, retained his seat in the 6th District. With 90 percent of precincts reporting, Mr. Goodlatte received 97.8 percent of the vote. Write-in candidates made up 2.2 percent of the vote.

In Arlington, County Board Chairwoman Barbara A. Favola, a Democrat, kept her seat. She won 51,859 votes over Republican F. Landey Patton IV, who received 19,869 votes, with all precincts reporting.

With all precincts reporting, incumbents held their seats on the Arlington County School Board.

Board Chairman E.T. “Libby” Garvey and member Frank K. Wilson won re-election. Miss Garvey received 47,095 votes and Mr. Wilson won 40,358 votes for the two open seats. Challengers William S. Barker and Shaun W. Whelden, received 23,931 votes and 9,306 votes, respectively.

Voters also approved two technical amendments to the state constitution.

One amendment clarifies the provision regarding the effective date and implementation of redistricting laws. It was approved 85.6 percent to 14.4 percent, with 90 percent of precincts statewide reporting.

The other amendment, which expands the line of succession to the governorship in case of a terrorist attack or another emergency, was approved 87.2 percent to 12.8 percent, with 89 percent of precincts statewide reporting.

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